By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC

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ontrary to the expectations of pretty much everyone who knows me well, I have become quite the little camper.  But being out in nature certainly does not mean giving up any of my ethos as an Organic Beauty.  I love finding great natural products that make staying beautiful and protected from the elements out in nature easy and effective.  I’m obsessed with finding healthier alternatives to typical camping foods.  And there is nothing better than creating an atmosphere of luxury and ease out among the trees.  I may rough it a bit, but that doesn’t mean making sacrifices.

Below are my healthy camping essentials that keep me living the Organic Beauty lifestyle, even while out in the middle of nowhere, with no running water.

 

1. Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Face Pads

These are my secret to amazing skin while camping, even with no running water or ability to wash your face.  These little exfoliating pads clean your face of all the campfire soot, excess oils, even makeup (if you wear it while camping.. I don’t!), while healing and preventing breakouts and imparting a gorgeous glow.  I use it morning and night and don’t need to wash my face at all.  Follow with an argan oil to moisturize, and your favorite mineral SPF.

2. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

A good dry shampoo is essential to keeping your hair looking fresh and smelling clean over a weekend without showering.  This non-aerosol formulation is my absolute favorite for camping.  I can go 5-6 days without washing my hair, and you’d never be able to tell!  In the absence of a shower, I also like to use a natural baby wipe to keep my body clean.

3. Burt’s Bees Natural Insect Repellant

Don’t even get me started on DEET and the other toxic chemicals found in most insect repellants.  I much prefer the natural ingredients in this plant and essential oil based repellant.  It works great, smells great, is safe for you, your kids and even your pets!

4. Nibmor Organic Drinking Chocolate

Nothing beats hot cocoa by the fire while camping.  But all those hot chocolate mixes are disgusting, loaded with sugar and dairy, and are just poor quality.  I’m obsessed with these Nibmor Organic Drinking Chocolate packets.  They come in a bunch of different natural flavors (my favorite for fall camping is 5 Spice), are sweetened with coconut palm sugar, are dairy free (add some almond milk if you like hot cocoa milky!), and are absolutely delicious.   Pick up a variety pack and keep everyone satisfied with chocolatey goodness!

5. Pure Bar Organic Raw Fruit & Nut Bars

Even though I’m typically anti-snacking (click here to learn why), grabbing a little healthy something for long hikes can be vital to maintaining your energy and balancing your blood sugar.  I am not into energy or protein bars (which are full of all kinds of crappy ingredients) or even sugar-laden granola bars.  Instead, I recommend pure fruit and nut bars, which give you the perfect balance of protein, healthy carbs, and healthy fat to keep you going.  Pure Bars are great, as are Larabars, my standby.  Get a variety pack to keep you satisfied throughout your whole trip!

6. Dandies Gluten-Free Vegan Marshmallows

Don’t get me wrong, even with all my emphasis on healthy eating, I love s’mores as much as the next gal.  But guess what! As with everything else, there is a way to do s’mores right, without exposing yourself and your family to all kinds of chemical additives and loads of processed sugar.  These vegan marshmallows are key.  They taste great and get all toasty and gooey just like the crappy version.  Pair them with some natural, gluten-free graham crackers and some organic chocolate, and you’ve got yourself a relatively guilt-free treat you can enjoy every night while camping!

Want more Organic Beauty camping goodness?

Check out my healthy vegetarian camping recipes!

Also, head on over to Pitching Tents to see my interview on the health benefits of getting out into nature!